#Japan #Shizuoka #Miyazaki Ryu #Karrera #HG motorsports

Miyazaki Ryu Triumphs in National Karting Tournament

Miyazaki Ryu, a second-year student at Bunkyo Gakuin University, has made headlines after winning the MAX Lights class at the "2026 ROTAX MAX Challenge APG SERIES Round 4" held at Auto Paradise Gotemba in Shizuoka Prefecture on June 7, 2026. Competing against challenging weather conditions in a race with 16 entrants, Ryu showcased his exceptional driving skills and emerged victorious.

Following this impressive achievement, Ryu is set to participate in the highly esteemed Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge Series at Clark International Speedway in Pampanga, Philippines, on June 13 and 14, 2026. This series is recognized as one of the most demanding endurance racing events in the Philippines. Due to recent changes related to energy supply issues, this year’s competition will feature a two-hour and a four-hour endurance race format, which poses a unique challenge for all competitors.

Background of the Participation

Ryu's journey in karting began when he started racing in the fourth grade. Currently, he is a member of RL Astech, a kart shop and works team based in Yamanashi and Shizuoka. His consistent performance and impressive driving techniques have attracted sponsorship offers from two influential brands in the Philippine karting scene: Karrera and Carbon Detailing Studio. These sponsorships have enabled Ryu to participate in the traditional endurance races in the Philippines.

The Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge Series is held to commemorate the Filipino Independence Day (Kalayaan) and is celebrated for its spirited competition. Ryu will compete as part of a four-driver team named HG Motorsports, taking on both the two-hour and four-hour endurance races scheduled for June 13 and 14, respectively.

Overview of the Competition

• - Race Name: Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge Series
• - Dates: June 13 (Saturday) & June 14 (Sunday), 2026
• - Location: Clark International Speedway, Pampanga, Philippines
• - Event Features: A traditional endurance race series that holds substantial cultural significance in the region.
• - Team Composition: Part of a four-member driver team competing in two endurance races.

As the domestic champion, Ryu heads into this endeavor with great momentum and confidence, particularly after his victory on June 7 under challenging conditions of rain and competition.

Ryu's Thoughts on the Upcoming Challenge

Reflecting on his upcoming participation, Ryu expressed both excitement and determination. "This will be my first car race and my first endurance race in a very unfamiliar environment. I plan to utilize all the experiences I've gathered so far and aim for victory," he stated. He has previously won several prestigious races, including in the All-Japan Championship, but felt that opportunities were sparse until recently. Ryu concluded by thanking all those who have supported him, promising to deliver a performance that would make them proud.

As Ryu prepares for the Makabayan Endurance Race, the motorsports community looks forward to witnessing his journey and hopes for a strong performance from the young karting athlete.